Smethwick Puppetry Festival returns in 2026 and it’s set to be the biggest yet, with free and low-cost events in Smethwick and Bearwood
Black Country Touring confirm the return of Smethwick Puppetry Festival in 2026.
The festival, which will run during February half term (14-22 February 2026), will see a packed programme of free and low-cost events happening across Smethwick and Bearwood.
This year, for the first time, local illustrator Katherine Tromans has designed a set of merchandise available exclusively through a time-limited Crowdfunder campaign. Limited edition prints, tote bags and t-shirts will be revealed over the next few weeks, with suggested donations ranging from £10 - £500. The Crowdfunder has been designed to help keep the festival affordable, with tickets for all events on a ‘pay-as-you-feel’ basis.
Genevieve Say from Black Country Touring explains: “Smethwick Puppetry Festival is going from strength to strength and this year, for the first time, we’ve developed a range of limited edition prints and wearables by local illustrator Katherine Tromans. They will be revealed over the next few weeks and will only be available for a short time, so we’re urging fans and supporters to get online and snap theirs up now, knowing that they’re supporting the future of the Festival at the same time. Support from the Crowdfunder helps us to keep tickets on a ‘pay-what-you-feel’ basis whilst still deliverying an ambitious programme. So it’s a double win!”
The Crowdfunder campaign runs until November 2025. Black Country Touring aims to raise a modest £2,000 from the campaign, which will go some way to covering the costs of the festival and allow it to remain accessible to everyone.
The 2026 edition of Smethwick Puppetry Festival is set to be the biggest to date, with performances by the UK’s leading professional puppetry theatre companies. There will be puppet theatre especially made for children and families, plus performances for teens and adults, interactive puppetry workshops, an exhibition and more.
Smethwick Puppetry Festival will take place in community venues across Smethwick and Bearwood, including Dorothy Parkes Centre, Smethwick Library and Thimblemill Library.
All events will be either free or pay what you can, which means that you choose how much to pay to attend.
Genevive Say from Black Country Touring added: “Smethwick Puppetry Festival transforms February half term into a week of joy, laughter, and connection. In 2025, over 1,400 people came together to see magical puppet shows, take part in workshops, and share moments they’ll never forget. It’s such a special event to bring to our community.”
Black Country Touring is able to run the puppetry festival thanks to the funds raised by players of the People's Postcode Lottery. Their support means we are able to bring quality events like this to community venues and ensure they're affordable for all. Smethwick Puppetry Festival is also supported with funding from Arts Council England and Sandwell Council.
Full performance details and booking information will be released in January 2026.
For more details, visit bctouring.org.uk/puppet
Join the crowdfunder at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/smethwickpuppetryfestival
